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| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
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Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Americans Remembered, Inc. - http://www.americansremembered.org
President, 22nd Inf Regt Society - http://www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President/Historian - Nat'l 4th Inf Div Assn - http://www.4thinfantry.org
babcock224@aol.com
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ONE SOLDIER KILLED IN IED ATTACK
TIKRIT, Iraq – One Task Force Ironhorse soldier was killed after an improvised explosive device struck the vehicle the soldier was in on Highway 1 south of the Samarra bypass. The attack occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 2.
The soldier was evacuated by helicopter but died of wounds en route.
The soldier’s name is being withheld pending family notification.
The incident is under investigation.
(No details on unit - it is probably, but not certain, that the next of kin has been notified by now).
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U.S. Forces Stage Massive Raid in Iraq
By ALEKSANDAR VASOVIC
.c The Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.S. troops north of the capital arrested at least 20 insurgents in a raid while workers began demolishing gigantic bronze busts of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad on Tuesday - both moves aimed at stamping out loyalty to Iraq's ousted regime.
Iraqi police said a senior former member of Saddam's elite Republican Guard was among those captured in Hawija, 155 miles north of Baghdad. However, the U.S. troops failed to catch the target of the raid - Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, considered a key planner of attacks against U.S. troops.
Also in the north, insurgents kept up attacks against American-led forces, with a soldier of the 4th Infantry Division killed in a roadside explosion in Samarra, the scene of deadly weekend battles between Americans and Iraqis......
Lt. Col. William MacDonald, spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division, said the raids in Hawija were aimed at capturing former regime members financing guerrilla attacks in the region.
Iraqi police said U.S. troops had captured more than 100 people, including a senior former member of Saddam's elite Republican Guard. Six Iraqis were wounded in the raid, but it wasn't immediately clear if they were all insurgents.
The U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade detained 20 suspected insurgents, but not al-Douri, the top Iraqi fugitive after Saddam. Earlier, a member of the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council had said al-Douri had been caught.
``We have no reports that we have captured or killed al-Douri,'' MacDonald said.
MacDonald said the confusion stemmed from local officials' statements that linked the raids to the hunt for al-Douri.
``The key objective was to get the subversive groups that have been conducting anti-coalition activities,'' he said. ``I can't say we are on the trail of al-Douri.''
U.S. officials, who two weeks ago posted a $10 million bounty for al-Douri, have pointed to him as a coordinator of incessant attacks on American forces in Iraq. They suspect he could also be working with the al-Qaida-linked militant group Ansar al-Islam.........
12/02/03 20:32 EST
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press.
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Pentagon to pay R&R travel costs
By Pauline Jelinek
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — In an effort to bolster military morale, the Pentagon soon will begin paying travel expenses for troops to get all the way home on leave from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The cost of that extra leg for tens of thousands of soldiers: $55 million.
Until now, the largest R&R program since the Vietnam War has flown soldiers only to three cities in the United States and two in Germany, leaving them to pay airfare for connecting flights if they want to go farther.
Some airlines offered discount fares to help, and a congressman started a program in which Americans donated millions of their frequent flyer miles for service members to use to get home.
But officials said Tuesday they were working up a plan for the Defense Department to begin reimbursing troops for the connecting flights with the $55 million authorized recently by Congress for the coming year.
"If it comes to pass as envisioned by members of Congress, this would be the most generous gesture on behalf of the American people," said Maj. Pete Mitchell of U.S. Central Command.
Such full payment of travel expenses for home leave is unprecedented, he said.
To give troops some relief, the Pentagon in late September started giving two-week leaves in the largest rest and recuperation program since the Vietnam War.
So far more than 27,000 troops have taken the leaves, Mitchell said.
The arrangement differs from the program in place during Vietnam, when soldiers received leaves to Hong Kong, Singapore or other Asian cities.
The Army said Tuesday it had set no firm date for the start of the reimbursement program, which requires changes in federal travel regulations. Officials were working on details such as how much would be paid to each soldier, and whether it would be retroactive to cover those who have already taken leave, they said.
"The devil is in the details," Mitchell said.
But the intent is to pay the full cost of commercial airfare that troops need to get home from three drop-off points in the states — Baltimore, Dallas and Atlanta — and two in Germany.
Officials estimated that troops have been paying an average of $300 to $500 out of their own pockets to get the rest of the way home.
Several soldiers and their families complained publicly about having to pay for the trips. Pentagon and congressional officials said they wanted to begin the reimbursement program amid worries about morale among troops who are working hard in the global war on terrorism and in the Iraq campaign, which is in its ninth month.
Work on the reimbursement plan was first reported Tuesday by the Army Times publication.
The military has ordered yearlong deployments in Iraq because it is stretched thin around the world and didn't get as many international troops to help as had been hoped.
Morale has been a concern, since troops and families in the summer began complaining about extended tours of duty and repeated deployments.
There are more than 130,000 U.S. forces in Iraq and neighboring countries and more than 10,000 deployed for the Afghan effort, where violence continues two years after the fall of the Taliban.
AP-WS-12-02-03 1845EST
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Request from PEOPLE Magazine
PEOPLE Magazine is working on a story to highlight soldiers' holiday letters home from Iraq. This story would display the letters and hold the emotion of this special time of year. Names of the soldiers and family members would be used and, potentially, photographs as well. If you are willing to participate, please contact reporter Melody Simmons asap via email at: melli57@aol.com. Because of the approaching holidays and deadlines, please respond quickly. Thanks!
(Editor's Note: Participate in this as you see fit. I talked to the reporter and feel comfortable she is working on a story that will not be used to exploit our soldiers or our families).
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Shop a new 4ID Gift Shop Online & Support the 502nd PSB FRG
Get 4ID Operation Iraqi Freedom Gifts Online!
www.cafeshops.com/502psbfrg4id
The 502nd Personnel Support Battalion (PSB) Family Readiness Group (Ft. Hood, TX) has an online gift shop! Purchase one-of-a-kind 4ID gifts/memorabilia. Every time you purchase, you'll also be supporting the 502nd PSB FRG. Visit www.cafeshops.com/502psbfrg4id now to get hats, coffee mugs, t-shirts, teddy bears, sweatshirts, clocks, stationary, children's items, keepsake/jewelry boxes and more!
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Germany's Hurtgen Forest:
3 December 1944 - D+181
Against CT 12, the enemy situation was extremely fluid inasmuch as the entire period was characterized by numerous counterattacks of varying size. Against CT 22, the enemy line remained the same. The enemy defended from camouflaged strong points in the northern sector. In the center and along the southern part, the enemy continued to counterattack in approximately the same places and about the same time as previously. One of these attacks, against CT 8 was made up of men of the 8th Para Regiment. The attack was vigorous and was only thrown back after a lively fight.
The supporting antiaircraft within the division zone of action brought down a large number of enemy aircraft.
The 8th Infantry suffered extremely heavy concentrations of artillery fire just prior to the time scheduled for the attack (0900) and it was apparent that the enemy likewise had planned an attack. Numerous small infantry actions took place, preventing us from gaining much terrain. The 8th Infantry was ordered to consolidate its present position on the most favorable terrain and to mop up the enemy forces which had infiltrated around its right flank.
The 12th Infantry remained on the defense throughout the day. At 0830, it was reported that enemy was infiltrating around the west flank of Company B and caused the withdrawing of Company G. The lost ground was regained with the support of one platoon of Company L. Numerous prisoners of war were taken during the day.
The 22nd Infantry remained in its defensive positions until 1130 at which time elements of the 330th Infantry Regiment (83rd Infantry Division) initiated their relief. In the interim, the 1st Battalion successfully repulsed a counterattack which had been launched at 0930. By 1900, the entire relief had been effected and the regiment moved to its new assembly area.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Bob, thanks so much for sharing the soldier's Thanksgiving thoughts. I was fortunate to receive several e-mails myself from different hero's. It was truly something special. It was actually hard for me to believe what I was reading. One young soldier said he was thankful for this experience of war because it has helped him to truly understand freedom and the blessings God has given him in his life. I have never met this young man, but I feel like I have known him forever. He never ever complains. He lifts MY spitits every time he writes me. I was expecting something completely different. These soldiers continue to amaze me every day. They are a breed of men and women unlike any other. They are the GUTS of America!! We are so very proud of them all.
2) Hello everyone, just wanted to say that it is great having my hubby home. This R&R is a great thing. At least we were able to see him for this amount of time. I think it did wonders for his spirits and morale. He looks wonderful, it is really nice to see him again. We truly feel blessed although it will be heart wrenching to see him have to return. He was able to spend Thanksgiving with us and is even putting up lots of Christmas lights and decorations. Gosh, will it ever be hard for us to see him leave again. But it did wonders to have him home and I think he was just satisfied with being able to come through the front door of his home, a place that is his and where he is always welcome. Our children especially love having him home. Their frowns have turned to big smiles and lots of holiday cheer. I am already preparing for the mood swings of when he will finally have to leave. In some way, we all have to be strong. It is especially hard on his part, so that is also something to really consider. I keep trying to think of ways to put a little piece of home in his knap sack but it seems that all we can do is give him lots of love for the time that he is here. Please everyone always say a prayer for all our troops. (HHC 1-8 IN 3RD BCT 4TH ID)
3) Yesterday was a great day. I got a call from my husband (1-67 AR) and we got to talk on line for a while. He sounded really good. I got him the phone package set up last week so now he can call home when ever he wants. We also can talk on line when ever we want too. Soon our guys will be home, in our arms again. We need to thank God every day for them and never give up. I put our Christmas tree up the other day. It does not feel like Christmas with my husband not home but I know he wants me to stay strong. I took a picture of it to send to him so I know he will like that. Christmas is about love and the birth of Christ. Even though our loved ones are so far away they are still with us in our hearts everyday. I want my husband to know I love him and I am being strong for him and the family. My husband and I just got
married when he was home on R & R and we are so happy. Even though he is not home for Christmas, my Christmas present was him being home for 15 Days.
4) This is for the lady whose cookies were crumbs when they got there. The only thing I can think of would to be to buy some actual tins from the store. Make sure you put the cookies in plastic bags (2-3 to a bag), then put them in the tins. Pack them with other things that won't crush the tins like pillows, toilet paper, socks, underwear, shirts, etc. And if you wrap them in baggies w/2-3 to a bag, if one goes bad, they all will not go bad. Hope that helps!!!! OH! Also, I've heard that packing them in plain popcorn (popped) helps keep them yummy too.
5) You asked for creative ideas to share with your readers for Christmas. Last Christmas, my nephew was in Afghanistan. (101st Airborne) Instead of cards, his mother sent out Christmas letters to everyone on her list, asking them to send her a patriotic decoration for "Justin's tree". She set up this tree, and took pictures of it to send to Justin, showing him that it was filled with decorations from so many people who loved him. Justin died on July 20 of this year while on patrol in Tal Afar, Iraq. (Justin was still with the 101st. He was only days from getting out of the Army. By age 23, he had served in two wars).
6) Bob, I wanted to share an idea with your readers that a friend gave me. For the holidays, we got special gifts for the children, wrapped them up and put them in a box. The last time I spoke with my husband I told him to talk to our son and tell him he was sending him a special Christmas box from Iraq. Our son was so excited about the thought of getting a box from Daddy. The next day I put it outside of our door and when we got home, our son saw a big box that had his name on it from Daddy. He was so thrilled with the box and kept saying he can't believe Daddy sent him this stuff all the way from Iraq. It worked well for our family, so I thought I'd pass the idea along to others. God Bless Our Troops and Happy Holidays!
7) Bob, this is for the person that wanted ideas on how to send baked goods. I use the leftover formula cans from the baby. They work to keep the cookies and such in one piece.
8) I've gotten to talk to my husband (1/68 AR) several times in the past few weeks. Our baby was over a week past due so he was calling frequently to check up on me & see if I'd had him yet. He was born 11/23, very healthy, very big (8lbs, 12.5oz, 20"). We had planned for him to call last Monday after my 42 week check, but when he called the house he got my mom instead saying that he had another son. He called a couple of times at the hospital - crappy connection - and was able to talk to his new son. He'll be home in about a month to PCS & I can't wait!
9) After reading the soldier's email on his Thanksgiving holiday serving in Iraq, it touched my heart. Knowing this soldier and all the soldiers are giving 110% to serve & protect their country. We missed our son very much during Thanksgiving and I know Christmas will be hard too. But after reading this soldier's email - I know that they have a job to complete, they have bonded with one another as a family, and are proud of what they are doing. All we do see on the news is negative - his report/email gives us an idea on what has been done to help the Iraqi people. Yes, we all will miss our soldiers during the holidays, but they will miss us too. I'm glad we are on the down hill side of their tour of duty. HOOAH to all the soldiers! - God Bless them! (from a mom of a soldier serving in the 4th ID)
10) I wanted to let you know that once again my prayers were answered. Sunday we saw our son 299th EN HHC on CNN news! His group went to pick up the bodies of the Japanese people that were killed. We saw him actually walking, and it was so wonderful to put our eyes on him. The emotions we feel are getting stronger as the time goes on, and I said the other day "I just can't go another day without seeing my son" Well our prayers are being heard and answered,so keep praying. We are praying for all of the families and their loved ones this holiday season, and every day.
11) I got a letter from my son, 704th DSB, Fort Hood. He is doing fine. He is currently working with the MPs at one of the prison camps. His accomodations are better than most. He tried to alleviate our concern by stating, " I've only been shot at once. They know better than to mess with a tough guy from Iowa!" Unfortunately, his mom wasn't too relieved. Being a target once was one too many times for mom to handle. He spoke of having phones and internet available to him, however he hasn't gotten around to taking advantage of them. (When he gets home safe, mom will have to wring his little neck!) For those of you who do get phone call from soldiers on a regular basis, have them encourage their fellow soldiers to phone home.
12) I just wanted to take the time to share with everyone the best Thanksgiving ever. My fiance (B co 1-22 IN) was able to make it home not only for his birthday but also for Thanksgiving. He slept a lot for the first two days but after that he was full of energy and ready to go. His appetite was unbelievable. I think he ate everything in the house and then some. He did talk about some of his experiences and how he felt about being there. He believes we are making progress there despite the loyalist and insurgents. Some of the things he shared were both wonderful, scary, and sad. Our men/women are truly heros for all they have to endure. It was torture putting him back on that plane for the second time but I was so thankful for the time we had. He came home my fiance and left my husband! I am so blessed to have found a man like him! I pray for each and every one of our soldiers! They are amazing! GO USA!!
13) I just read your update for 12/2. The wife on #10 brought a smile to my face because we did something similar for my son (1-67 AR, A Company - Camp Thunder). I bought a 3-foot tree and some white battery-operated lights from Wal-Mart. My best friend decided we should have a 'theme' so we went with red, white and blue. We found ornaments and beaded garland in red, white and blue. Then we found quilting material at Hobby Lobby with the American flag and eagles printed on it; which we made into a tree skirt. We found a tall ornament of Uncle Sam holding a banner that said "I love the USA"; and it worked perfectly as the tree topper. On one of my phone calls with my son he gave me the names of the guys in his unit, 23 in all, and we wrote their names in glitter glue on stockings from Wal-Mart. With the help of family and friends, we collected items to put in the stockings. There was so much stuff we almost didn't get it all in the stockings. To keep everything organized, we used a Ziploc bag for each stocking. On our next phone call, I told my son that 'Operation Christmas Stocking' was successful and that we had mailed 7 boxes to him. He told me 'Good Lord mom, what did you send!'. The boxes got there in record time, only 2 weeks. Nothing was broken or damaged. Because their living quarters are small, he set the tree up in their 'TV room' for all the guys to enjoy. I also sent several Christmas CDs for them to listen to...... This project grew beyond my expectations. It was truly a labor of love. He also mentioned the wonderful dinner they were served for Thanksgiving. He told me they had steak, shrimp, lobster tail, chicken, turkey and all the fixin's. He said he didn't get any turkey because there was so much food. Hearing his laughter and sharing an upbeat conversation with him sure made Thanksgiving a better day for this Army mom. God Bless our Soldiers - HOOAH!
14) We finally hear from my son with the HSB, 3-16 FA. The last time he called was the end of June and it was so good to hear his voice again finally. He sounded
good and said things are going ok over there. It has cooled down where he is, into the 50s at night. That is warm compared to what it is where we live now. He also gave us some good news. He is getting to take his mid deployment leave the middle of December so that means he will be able to be home for Christmas. We are so excited to know that he will be able to come home for the first time in 1 1/2 yrs and esp that he will be home for Christmas this year. I notified all his sisters & brothers that he will be home this year. This will be the first Christmas that all the children will be home together in many a year. ...... I can't think of a better Christmas present for us than to have all our children home for the holidays. It is too bad that he will only be home for 14 days and then has to go back to Iraq, but we will cherish the few days we do have with him and all of our children over the holidays..... God Bless our Troops.
15) THANKSGIVING WAS GREAT, OUR SOLDIER (475TH QM CO ATTACHED TO THE 64TH CSB ) CALLED HOME. HIS DAD, SISTERS, MOM, OUR KIDS AND I ALL GOT TO TALK TO HIM. THE LINES WERE SO MUCH BETTER THAN A FEW WEEKS AGO, A BIG HURRAY FOR WHOEVER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SETTING THEM UP. IT WAS HARD HAVING TO SHARE THE PHONE WITH OTHERS THOUGH. THANKSGIVING WEEK WAS A BIT WET AND MUDDY, THE CHAIN ON THE BIKE HE BOUGHT TO GET AROUND BASE KEEPS LOSING THE CHAIN BUT BEATS TRODDING AROUND. ... I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE PRIORITY MAIL ENVELOPES ARE FLAT RATE SO YOU CAN STUFF AS MUCH STUFF AS YOU CAN INTO ONE OF THEM, THEY CAN BE A BIT BULKY, AND STILL ONLY PAY THE $3.85 RATE. I RECEIVED HIS EXTENSION ORDERS IN THE MAIL, HE ONLY HEARD THAT THEY ARE IN EFFECT BUT HIS UNIT HADN'T RECEIVED THEIR COPY YET, SO NOW WE HAVE IT IN BLACK AND WHITE THAT ARMY RESERVE WILL BE THERE FOR THE WHOLE YEAR ALONG WITH THE REST.
16) My son is with the 4ID 2/8 INF out of Fort Hood. He is going to come home the end of February, hopefully. Since he will be ETSing, he didn't get the two week leave.... My husband and I went to Fort Hood the first of November with 15 boxes plus a Christmas tree to send to his unit and to some of the people that don't hear much from home. Thanks to your updates, the 4ID Rear Detachment Chaplain sent them for us at no cost to us. So a very big thank you to him and to you cause I look for your updates every day.
17) I heard from my husband last night (1-12, 3BCT, C. Co., Fort Carson) and it was so good to hear his voice, he called at 2:30 a.m and I woke my 3 year old up to talk, she was awful grumpy but cheered right up when she heard her daddy's voice. He had the best news ever, he is getting R&R, and it will fall over Christmas time. It will be so wonderful to have my husband home for Christmas. He wasn't going to tell me because he wanted to suprise me but he couldn't keep it a secret. I just pray for every man and women over there or getting ready to go over there and that they return safe.
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